Sparrows and Wildflowers

Benny is incredibly funny and equally wise, he is an Aboriginal business owner, entrepreneur and comedian. Join us for this conversation covering everything from comedy, to trauma and faith.

In this episode I speak to Tulele Faletolu about grief, grace, anxiety, loss, music and choosing to be a good man.

In this episode I speak to Chris Maisano about his incredible journey of transformation.

In this episode I speak to Leena about her journey with Sikhism and Christianity, her process of healing from abuse, her experience with depression and the amazing work that she does today.

Jessica Santosa is a Christian Dating Coach, as well as a Social Worker, Slam Poet and Musician. She shares about her career journey, her faith, and growing up as part of an Indonesian-Australian family in Sydney's Western suburbs.

This short Christmas special is comprised of three brilliantly funny and very profound Christmas monologues, written and performed by Catherine Bradshaw.

Andrew is a young Graduate Lawyer, working in Environmental Law. He talks with us about growing up in Sydney's affluent Nothern Suburbs, the concept of 'Voluntourism', aid work, and recognising the need to also help out back home. Andrew shares really honestly about having cynicism and apathy toward Christianity and the journey he went on to becoming a follower of Jesus Christ.

Our second interviewee is Gary Raymond, a member of the Salvation Army Church. In his career in the police force, Gary spent 10 years in police Rescue, followed by 10 years as a Detective. This is a candid discussion about his remarkable life, police work and faith. (Warning: strong themes).

Our very first episode is a conversation with Catherine Bradshaw. Cath is a teacher who describes herself as being like a 'bowerbird for information'. She's a mum of 3 and for many years was a children's pastor at a Pentecostal Church. We talk about growing up in the 1970's, education and the pursuit of knowledge, feminism, articulating faith in the 21st Century, the role of online activism in the refugee debate and her diagnosis with MS.

In this episode we chat to Caz Bamford about growing up in South Africa and the UK, working in the Music and Television industries, what it's like Managing people, dealing with hardship, her journey of faith and much more.

Sister Mary Rachel joined the Dominican Sisters when she was just 20 years old in her home state of Pennsylvania, USA. Now serving with other young Dominican Sisters in Sydney’s western suburbs, Sister Mary Rachel tells us candidly about her choice to become a Sister, the importance of the vows, what day to day looks like and much more.

This episode is a conversation with Andrew Affleck. We talk about Alzheimer's disease, walking away from God (and returning), the benefits of donating your brain to science and starting a not-for-profit.

David shares with us about his upbringing on the Central Coast, wrestling with questions of science and faith, hardships, politics, his journey as a gay Christian, his role at the Sydney Alliance and what it looks like to live like Jesus.

We get to hear from Muay Thai Fighter & Trainer, and TV Producer and Script Writer: Jessica Yount. Jess shares about growing up in the American mid-west, her journey to faith in Jesus, her involvement in boxing and martial arts, hardship, culture and her career so far in media.

This episode is with fellow Podcaster, Samantha Freestone. Samantha speaks about her career in the NGO and Mental Health sectors, growing in her journey of faith and her convictions, as well as giving insight into the podcast industry and why she does what she does.

Hear Jyoti speak about her careers in Science and Education, her journeys in Hinduism and Christianity, demystifying spirituality, navigating disappointment and much more, all in this episode.

In this episode Jon Halabi shares his incredible journey from a difficult childhood, to professional boxing, becoming a business owner, and his decade long battle with drug addiction that ended when he encountered Jesus Christ.

Debbie Hill is a Pastor and Co-Founder of a hugely successful nott-for-profit. Hear Debbie share about being Mum to 5 boys, her traumatic encounter with mental illness, her journey of faith and the inspiring charitable work that she does today.

You'll be inspired by this insight into the journey of Margaret Stunt. Margaret shares about coming through extreme hardships including abuse, cancer and divorce, she speaks about discovering a relationship with Jesus Christ and the series of miracles, events and adventures that her led her to the very full life she now lives at age 68.

This episode we chat to Josh Hawkins of 'Hi Josh' fame. As well as being a Young Adults Pastor in the Anglican church, Josh spends his time making hilarious video content for online platforms. We chat about going viral, the nature of comedy and what looking more like Jesus means for him.

This episode is with Sharna Lovell, Founder of Arts Chaplaincy International. Sharna speaks about growing up as the child of Missionaries in Malaysia, her transition back to life in Australia, as well as her Chaplaincy and Community Services work across vastly different areas of society from the homeless population, to the fashion industry, and the UN.

In this episode I have the privilege of speaking with Australian Speaker, Author, Historian, Musician and Public Advocate for the Christian Faith: Dr John Dickson.

This episode holds the record for the most laughs and the most tears. Listen in to Aggie's incredible story spanning abuse, addiction, reaching success in sport and in her sales career and finally a supernatural encounter with Jesus. Aggie also opens up about Tongan culture, her studies and becioming a Youth Worker.

Tadiwa shares about growing up in Zimbabwe and coming to Australia in her late teens. We talk about family, Church, hardship, drug use and career. She speaks about her journey towards faith in Jesus, rediscovering her value, and her aspiration to bring that same hope to other women.

A brief thank you for listening and celebration of one year of episodes.

Jason Faulkner shares about music, business, ministry, healing, restoration and his own journey to discovering faith in Jesus.

Justin Moffatt is the Senior Minister of Churchill Anglican in Sydney City. We talk about the progression of Justin's faith, his years working as a Sydney taxi driver, Ministering in the USA and what life looks like today.

Angelyn speaks about moving to Australia at age 6, her career journey starting as a flight attendant, working in high-end retail and eventually in Education. She shares about her journey to knowing Jesus and about healing from sexual abuse.

Andrew shares about his Filipino heritage, growing up in South-Sydney, finding Jesus when he met his now wife and his career journey.

Helen shares her experiences growing up in the Mid-West USA as a Korean-American, moving to NYC for college and being there when the GFC hit. She talks about her current role as Director of not-for-profit organisation ‘Hope For Sydney’ and the significance of meeting the practical needs of vulnerable groups in society as part of the Christian faith.

I had the honour of interviewing Helen Davies. Helen has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, but this in no way overshadows the incredible Christ-focused life that she leads. Hear her share candidly on family relationships, owning a Christian bookshop, ministering overseas and so much more.

Hear the Christmas story, as read from the account recorded in the book of Matthew, in the Amplified translation of the Bible.

This episode I chat to talented Photographer and Radio-Journalist Elize Strydom. We speak about working in the media, she candidly shares about dealing with anxiety, growing up in country NSW and wrestling with hard questions in faith.

Michael is the author of 4 best-selling books and features regularly as a commentator on TV and radio, speaking on topics across business and culture. He has presented to over 300,000 people, across 5 continents and has shared the stage with the likes of Bill Gates, Whoopi Goldberg and Larry King. In this episode we get to hear about his faith, family, his early years in Wollongong and how his career progressed to where it is today.

I chat to Kenn Iskov about his amazingly full life journey so far. We talk about growing up on a dairy farm, living in Papua New Guinea, the Middle East and in the USA. We also chat about his many careers including Engineering and Limousine Driving. Kenn has helped start many Churches and has been involved in extensive Christian ministry, study and training across vastly different contexts.

In this episode we chat to Anglican Minister, Shane Dirks. Shane speaks about growing up in Western Sydney, his passion for cycling and achievement at the Oceania Games, his career in sales and his journey to faith in Jesus.

Our guest for Episode 10 is Patrick Langrell: Director of Campus Ministry, Lecturer in Philosophy & Theology, as well as Officer for Engagement and Public Affairs at the Institute for Ethics and Society, in the University of Notre Dame. Patrick talks about his Catholic faith, surfing, World Youth Day, and shares his perspective about the need for respectful and in-depth public discourse on important and controversial issues.

Nick shares about his journey through the party scene, New Age religion, Buddhism and Atheism before becoming a Christian. He also speaks about the sorrow of losing his Dad, his career path and his involvement in Church.

Justin Fung is an Executive Counsel in Employment Law, he is passionate about connecting Jesus with corporate culture and talks to us about the 'City Regenerate' Ministry. We also speak about growing up in Sydney’s lower north shore, his journey from growing up in a non-religious home to having a strong faith, his experience at Redfern Legal Centre.

Born in Sri Lanka, Lalita Stables grew up in Zambia before moving to South Africa and eventually Australia. She shares her incredible journey of growing up in different cultural and political environments, being involved in musical theatre, her successful career in the corporate IT world, charity work and her faith in Jesus.

Hear Josie's incredible story of trial and triumph as she shares about life, faith, domestic violence, her cancer diagnosis and starting a not-for-profit.

Artist and Travelling Minister: Nicola Gibb, shares about representing Australia in the sport of Diving at age 11, before encountering a serious injury that sent her into a negative spiral. She talks about discovering her artistic talent as a painter in her 40’s, working for a charity, being a female preacher and her journey of healing with Jesus.

Sylvia speaks about growing up in East Germany and her early memories of after the Berlin Wall came down; she shares about tragic loss in her family, her travels around the world and her long faith journey that led her into faith in Jesus.

In this episode we chat to fitness industry professional: Mary Bacon, about growing up in Macedonia, family, career, faith and her holistic approach to well-being.

In this episode we chat to hospitality entrepreneur Dan Yee, co-founder of Salvage Specialty Coffee and Artificer Specialty Coffee Bar and Roastery. Dan shares about staring out as an electrician, his faith in Jesus, understanding grace and much more.

Radio Host, Presenter, Actress, Singer and mum: Emma Mullings, speaks really candidly about her incredible life journey so far. She shares about losing her mum as a child, being angry at God for many years before eventually returning to faith, her career in the media and her journey through depression.

In this episode I chat to Chef and author of cook books 'Naked Food' and 'Our Delicious Adventure', Jane Grover. Jane is refreshingly funny and candid, she talks with us about food, faith and family.

Pastor, Father, Teacher, Author and Speaker: Chris Cipollone, tells his inspiring story in this episode. He shares openly and insightfully about his career, faith, family and life journey, with an impacting and raw focus on mental illness.